Doors for reconciliation with PMLN still open: Firdous

PML-N was still open and the PPP would play the role of opposition in Punjab.
Talking to reporters, Firdous Awan said that though the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had parted ways with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), but the latter had not closed its doors for reconciliation.
She said that Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani wanted to continue work on the 10-point agenda irrespective of the situation in Punjab and did not want to have a deadlock on the parleys in that regard.
The Information Minister said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would play its rule in Punjab as per the constitution.
To a question on Raymond Davis, she said that the government would present its point of view in the court on March 14 and would accept the court decision on the case.
Earlier, MPA Chaudhry Tariq Gujjar, Mian Azhar Hasan Dar, Chudhary Maqbool, Sardar Ibrahim and a large number of PPP workers welcomed the Information Minister at Sheranwal Bagh and showered rose petals on her. The workers were chanting slogans and carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans in favour of the party leadership.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Raja Zulqarnain also accompanied the federal minister.

Five killed in Karachi firing incidents

27 Feb 2011 Karachi
At least five people including 3 policemen have been killed in Karachi since last night, According to details, two cops were gunned down in Quaid-e-Azam Colony of Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
The killings took place after armed clash between two groups over kidnapping of a political worker. Police rushed to the site and came under cross firing.
As a result, Head Constable Zahir Shah and constable Maqsood received bullet injuries. The victims were shifted to hospital where both succumbed to their injuries.
In another incident, a police constable Muszzafar shot dead by unknown armed men. Same incident took place in Chakra Goath of Korangi area where unidentified armed men opened indiscriminate firing on unknown man killing him on the spot.
A man shot was killed and seven injured in separate firing incidents in New Karachi and Kharadar area.

Turncoats always support dictators: Law Minister

27 Feb 2011
Lahore
Federal Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Babar Awan has said that turncoats always support dictators with the help of capitalists in the guise of technocrats.
He was addressing a “Meet the Press” at the Lahore Press Club here on Sunday.
He said that Pakistan could be strong only by strengthening democracy instead of strengthening personalities.
He said that capitalists always created hurdles in the way of reforms but the PPP would continue its journey on the road to reforms for the betterment of the people and the country.
The minister remarked the PPP preferred the continuity of democracy even after criticism and it tolerated it by following the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.
Congratulating the former provincial ministers of the PPP on getting “freedom”, he said the six PPP ministers had returned their vehicles within six hours of the decision.

Imran Khan flays ‘power politics’ in Punjab

27 Feb 2011 Lahore
Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan has flayed power politics in Punjab and termed it against principles.
Addressing a press conference here at a local hotel on Sunday, he said that the 10-point agenda of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) was without a solution to terrorism and drone attacks.
He said that injustice was the main cause of rampant corruption in the country, adding that during the last three days government borrowing had touched high levels.
Imran said that 2011 could be an election year for which the PTI had made all arrangements.
To a question, he said demand for a separate province of Bhawalpur was justified and the government should think over it.
He said the PTI would not make any alliance with any political party whose leaders’ assests were in foreign countries.

No legal status of show cause notices: Dr Tahir

LAHORE: Parliamentary leader of unification block in Punjab Assembly Dr Tahir Ali Javed on Thursday said that there was neither any legal status of show cause notices nor Chaudhry Zaheer was authorized to issue the same.
Meanwhile, senior minister Raja Riaz met speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Iqbal and protested against the allotment of separate seats to unification block.
Talking to media after the meeting, Raja Riaz Ahmed said that the allotment of separate seats to unification block in Punjab Assembly is unlawful, adding that Q-league’s parliamentarian should not join PML-N’s benches He alleged that the Speaker can not allot separate seats to such assembly members who crossed the floor to become turncoats.He said he requested the Speaker that he should revert his "unconstitutional and illegal decision".He said that it was Shujaat Hussain, a PML-Q Chief, who nominates parliamentary leader therefore the Unification Block was entirely illegal and unconstitutional Meanwhile, Rana Iqbal told reporters that PML requested to allot seats to majority parliamentarians of the party with that of Punjab govt, adding that he accepted their request under 18th constitutional amendment.

Nawaz’s statements are charade: JI

24 Feb 2011

LAHORE:

Amir Jamat-e-Islami Syed Munawar Hassan Wednesday described statements made by Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Nawaz Sharif as charade.

Addressing a book launching ceremony here at Al-Hamra Hall, Sayed Munawar Hassan said both the largest parties of the country are playing with the future of the nation.

“For a period of three years all we heard was slogans ‘Nawaz-Zardari bhai bhai’ and these two leaders only tried to provide cover to each others’ corruption”, the JI Chief said.

He asked as to how a system could be called democratic when it defies decisions of the Supreme Court and the Parliament. The people’s issues, instead of being resolved, have only been multiplied, he added.

 

Govt’s reply sought on plea against Musharraf

24 Feb 2011
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday sought a reply from government for the possible trial of Prevez Musharraf.
Justice Shaikh Azmat Saeed of LHC was hearing the petition filed by advocate Rana Ilm Din. The petitioner requested that former president should be tried under article 6 of the consititution.
In the petition, it is maintained that Pervez Musharraf has abrogated the constitution twice but the government failed to take appropriate action against him
During the hearing, Deputy Attorney General requested the court to grant more time to the government in this regard upon which Justice Azmat, expressing his annoyance, directed the government to file a detailed reply in 10 days.

Shumaila’s uncle escapes life attempt, CM Punjab takes notice

24 Feb 2011
Lahore
Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has taken notice of an attempt to murder Muhammad Sarwar, paternal uncle of Shumaila Kanwal who committed suicide after the killing of her husband Faheem by Raymond Davis in Lahore.
Muhammad Faheem, resident of Faisalabad, was killed by American national Raymond Davis in Lahore on January 27.
Shamila’s uncle Muhammad Sarwar, resident of chak 189-JB Rasoolpur Nethri was pursuing the case due to which he received threats of dire consequences.
On Wednesday some unidentified assailants forced their entry into Sarwar’s house and administered him poisonous pills.
On the directives of Chief Minister Punjab, Divisional Commissioner Tahir  Husian, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Aftab Cheema, District Coordination Officer (DCO) Naseem Sadiq and others visited the hospital to inquire about condition and treatment of Muhammad Sarwar.
They directed the hospital administration to provide best medical treatment to the victim and stressed all out efforts to save his life.
According to hospital administration, the condition of Muhammad Sarwar was improving.

Blast damages railway tracks in Dalbandin

24 Feb 2011
Quetta
A bomb blast damaged railway tracks in Dalbandin area, on Thursday.
“Unknown men have attached explosive material with railway tracks in Dalbandin area,” Levies sources said adding that the explosive devise was detonated with remote control when a Taftan bound goods train was passing there.
The explosion caused derailing of two boggies of the train, however, no loss of life could take place, official sources said.
Pakistan Railways officials confirmed that the incident and said repairing work of the damaged portion of the tracks had been launched.
Law enforcement agencies reached the place soon after the incident and put a cordon around the affected site.
The Levies Force is looking into the matter.

Warsi, Nawaz discuss bilateral matters

23 Feb 2011

LAHORE: Pakistan-origin British Member Parliament Sayeeda Warsi and her delegation met with Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Nawaz Sharif here at the latter’s residence on Wednesday.
The discussion at the meeting focused bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and UK, sources said. The two sides also had an exchange of views on Pakistan’s geographical significance and economic situation of the country.
British High Commissioner Adman Thomson, Shahbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar were also present in the meeting.
The meeting also touched upon problems being faced Pakistanis living in UK.
The visiting delegation also had breakfast with the PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif and other leaders including Shahbaz Sharif.

Six militants killed in Kurram Agency

23 Feb 2011
Peshawar
Security forces on Wednesday killed at least six militants in operation in central Kurram Agency.
Security forces carried out operation against militants in different parts or Kurram Agency. Forces targeted the militant hideouts with artillery guns.
At least six militants killed and several others injured in the operation. Two hideouts were destroyed in the bombing.
On the other hand, a dead body of militant commander found from Astori Khel area in Orakzai Agency. At leas eight people were arrested on suspicion during search operation in Hangu.

Kaira for national unity, solidarity to counter challenges

23 Feb 2011ISLAMABAD:Central Information Secretary PPP, Qamar Zaman Kaira Tuesday said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) did not believe in politics of deadlines and was strengthening political culture in the country .Talking to a media,he said, PPP is promoting politics of reconciliation in the country in larger national interest.To question about 10 point agenda, he said it is not only of PML-N rather, it is agenda of MQM, PML-Q and even of the government and we were working on it prior to the demand of PML-N.
He said, if the government had implemented the entire agenda, then too, PML-N remained an opposition party like now.
He said, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was our opposition party and still it is an opposition.
It is the time for national unity and solidarity to counter challenges being faced by the country on different fronts, he said.
To another question he said, politics of confrontation was buried by PPP and a new political culture was introduced in the country by promoting reconciliatory

Govt to welcome constructive criticism: Dr.Firdous

23 Feb 2011
Islamabad:Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said Tuesday that the government would welcome constructive criticism as democracy cannot flourish without free media.While speaking at a dinner she hosted for the media persons ,the Minister said that criticism was right of the media as it highlights the issues but it should also become part of the solutions,not the problem. She said media has an important role to play for institutional building and projecting soft image of the country.
She said “at international level there were wrong perceptions about Pakistan,and the government and the media will have to work together to restore soft image of the country.”
Reiterating the PPP government stance that it fully believes in right of freedom of speech Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said access to information was basic right of the media and the government would take all possible steps to facilitate the media.
The minister said despite its best efforts in the past the government could not project its achievements as there was a communication gap between the government and the private media.

Gas pipeline blown up in Jaffarabad,suppy suspended

23 feb 2011
Queta:Some assailants blew up 18-inch gas pipeline supplying gas to Och power plant in Suhbat Pur area of Jaffarabad district, police said on Wednesday.
According to police sources, some unidentified men had planted explosive material with the pipeline which went off resultantly suspend up supply to the power plant.
Law enforcement agencies reached the site and put a cordon around the entire area. Fire brigade has also been called to put out the blaze.
Meanwhile gas supply to Och power plant is continued through alternate pipelines, said the official sources in Och Power Plant, adding that after having the control over furious fire, the repairing work would be launched.
A case has been registered and investigation are continued

Pakistanis living in Libya are safe

23 Feb 20111
Islamabad: Pakistan’s forigen office spoksman said on Wednesday that all the Pakistanis living in Libya were safe and the embassy was in contact with them.
“We have not received any report regarding untoward incidents against Pakistanis. We have no consulate or a commercial section in Benghazi but we are in contact with Pakistani people living there and according to them they are safe,” he told.
The spokesmasn Ambassador said there were five officers and around 30 staff members in the Pakistan embassy in Tripoli, who with the grace of Allah Almighty were safe.

I am ready for trial,Says Qureshi

22 Feb 2011
Islamabad
Former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday said in the National Assembly that there have been a lot of blames on me, such as that I am accused of meeting Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and Chaudhry Nisar.
He said that he has never said or done anything against the party.
“During Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s first government she showed a lot of faith in me and when former President Farooq Leghari dissolved the government, I was in India then, I caught the first flight back to Pakistan to be with Mohtarma.
he said, adding “When ever I go to India something happens.”
Qureshi said that he is not an American puppet and neither is he someone who wants to spoil relations with the US.
He said if anyone thinks he is guilty then he is ready to stand for trial

UN calls for Pakistan to prepare better for floods

22 Feb 2011
Islamabad
Pakistan must spend millions of dollars now on rebuilding areas devastated by last summer’s floods to avoid massive future loss of life and jobs, a top United Nations disaster official said Tuesday.
Catastrophic monsoon rains that swept through the country in July and August killed thousands, affected 20 million people, destroyed 1.7 million homes and damaged 5.4 million acres of arable land, experts have said.
The floods hit five years after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake in northern Pakistan killed more than 73,000 people and left about 3.5 million homeless.
Officials have previously accused the much-maligned government of failing to properly manage cash funds, hampering relief efforts for flood victims.
The country is at continued risk of natural and man-made disasters and must spend and work now to prevent future damage, Margareta Wahlstrom, UN Special envoy for disaster risk reduction, told journalists in Islamabad.
“Pakistan cannot afford to risk its future and lives of its people by being ill-prepared,” said Wahlstrom, during a five-day visit to Pakistan hosted by international aid agency Oxfam.
Political will is needed to halt the disaster spiral, she added.
The UN said that despite some government help, flood victims were relying mostly on their families and communities for help.
“Ultimately, however, it is government’s responsibility to protect its people. Government leadership is needed to implement disaster risk reduction strategies and the role of the international community is to support it,” a UN statement said.
Last month the UN said the country was still in emergency mode six months after the floods and that $1 billion was still needed — nearly half of a flood relief appeal launched in September — mostly to help farmers recover.
The UN put the cost of flood damage at about one third of the government’s budget — up to $10.85 billion — and said $27 million in spending on disaster risk reduction was needed to reduce losses in future

Islamabad:Parliamentary Committees of PPP, PML-N to present outcome of reforms

22 Feb 2011
The Parliamentary Committees of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) here on Tuesday decided to inform their leadership about the progress on economic reforms agenda.
Briefing the media after the 10th meeting of the Parliamentary Committees of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) on economic reforms, Minister for Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said that both the sides have taken up the issues with open mind, sincerity and honestly.
He said that all the ten points of PML-N economic reforms agenda were discussed in detail and PML-N committee was also informed about the progress of the outcomes.
“Both the sides have decided to present the outcomes of the meetings to their respective leadership which would decide the steps for future strategy for economic reforms in the country”, he added.
Dr. Shaikh further informed that the meeting also discussed the income and expenditure matters of the provincial governments to implement the economic reforms.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Ishaq Dar who was heading the PML-N side informed that the outcomes of the Parliamentary Committees would be submitted before the meeting of Central Organizing Committee, Which would be held on February 25.
He said that all 10 points of economic reforms agenda presented by the PML- N were discussed with open mind and today the meeting take stock about the decisions being made in the previous meetings.
He said that the report would be presented to PML-N Qaid Nawaz Sharif, who would decide the future steps adding that government was asked to inform any other progress on economic reforms taking place till February 24 which would also be included in the report.

Baby Girl sustained Burn Injuries

22 Feb 2011
RAWALPINDI: A four-month old girl sustained burn injuries when fire erupted in a house located in Fauji Colony in Pirwadhai Police Station area on Saturday.
According to details, fire erupted due to gas leakage and engulfed two rooms of the house at once. The rescuers of Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) reached there immediately and began efforts to extinguish the fire.
The rescuers succeeded in extinguishing the fire and also saved a four month child identified as Fatima Riaz.
They shifted the baby girl to the Holy Family hospital for her treatment

Lahore 18 police officials dismissed

22 Feb 2011

LAHORE: SP Headquarters Rao Munir Ahmad Zia has dismissed 18 police officials including two lady constables on charges of negligence and absence.
The dismissed included SI Ghulam Mustafa, constables Rasheeda Qamar, Asma Parveen, Khalid Mehmood, Anwar Nadeem, Imran, Muhammad Irfan, Basharat Ali, Faisal Qureshi, Mehmoodul Hassan , Ali Raza, Muhammad Ashraf, Babar Hussain, Sakhawat Ali, Naseem Abbas, Gulfam, Farhan Basheer and Ghulam Hussain.
The SP has also awarded punishment to 23 police officials on charges of misconduct and carelessness.

UK for nonstop help to Pak flood victims: Sayeeda Warsi

22 Feb 2011
LAHORE: Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, a British cabinet minister of Pakistani-origin, said on Saturday that the United Kingdom would continue supporting Pakistan in the post-flood operations.

“Today I have been heartened to see and hear how the UK is helping millions of people in Pakistan rebuild their lives, but there is much more to do, with widespread malnutrition and the risk of disease outbreaks,” Warsi said while talking to reporters in Islamabad.

The primary purpose of Warsi’s visit to Pakistan is to learn how the country is recovering, what more needs to be done, and to see how more than Rs 27.7 billion from British people is supporting the flood victims. “When I was here exactly six months ago in August at the peak of the floods with the UK International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell I saw scenes of devastation,” the British lawmaker recalled.

She said that some areas of Sindh were still under water, adding that reconstruction of millions of houses, bridges and schools that were destroyed would take years. “So we must not be complacent, nor relax our efforts. That’s why the UK is continuing to help millions of people in Pakistan to rebuild their lives, get people back on their feet and earn a living again, and get hundreds of thousands of children back in to education,” Warsi averred.

“I am proud of the British people’s generous response to the floods, which shows our deep affinity and kinship with Pakistan. Our countries are closely tied together through family and history and the UK will continue to stand by the people of Pakistan on this long road to recovery,” she said.

Lauding the contributions of UK-based Muslim non-governmental organisations (NGOs), she underlined the need for further improvement in communication among them. A well-coordinated campaign would be launched for the early rehabilitation of the flood victims, she said

Lahore: 685 shops sealed for expired medicines

22 Feb

LAHORE: The Punjab Health Department has sealed 685 shops during last two months for complaints of the sale of spurious and expired drugs and 19 cases were registered including imposing of heavy fines.
This was stated by Punjab Secretary Health Fawad Hassan Fawad in a high level meeting presided over by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif here on Tuesday.
He said that medicines were checked at 14,509 places during the period and 7,810 samples were obtained. He said the campaign against spurious drug sellers would continue.

 

Peshawar : 7 injured in explosion at cloth market

22 Feb 2011

 Seven persons were injured as an explosive device planted in busy cloth market of Saddar area, went off here on Tuesday
According to Police, the explosive device was planted to target the common people. The intensity of explosion was not so sever as it was a low intensity bomb, said a security official.
One of the injured was rushed to Lady Reading Hospital while the remaining were taken to Cantonment Hospital for medical treatment.
Some of those who sustained injuries are identified as Ikram son of Naimatullah resident of Landi Arbab, Abu Bakkar son of Nazar Muhammad, Ghulam Raza son of Munawar Ali resident of Lahore, Akal Massih son of Seraj Massih.
Shafi market, the site of the blast, is a commercial hub of Saddar area where huge rush of shoppers, mostly female and children, used to visit during the day.

Blast hits FC vehicle in Gawadar; 4 hurt

22 Feb 2011
At least 4 personnel of Frontier Constabulary (FC) were injured, on Tuesday, when a remote-controlled bomb hit their petrol vehicle in port city of Gawadar.
Local officials in Gawadar say the bomb hit the vehicle when the FC squad was on a routine patrol at Fish Harbor Road. The vehicle was severely damaged in the incident.
Security forces immediately rushed to site following the blast and the area was later cordoned off. The injured personnel were later shifted to the nearby hospital.

Court orders Davis’ trial in prison

22 Feb 2011
A session court in Lahore on Tuesday ordered the Raymond Davis’ trial to be held in prison.
The detained US national Raymond Allen Davis, who the America insists is a member of diplomatic mission and, therefore, enjoys immunity, was charged with the murder of two Pakistani men. Faheem and Faizan, residents of Lahore, were fatally shot dead by Davis at Mazang Chowk last month.
The Punjab government, citing security reasons, filed a plea, on Tuesday, requesting Davis’ trial to be held in prison in the future.
The Additional District and Sessions Judge Yousaf Ojla, later, accepted the government’s request and ordered the next hearing of the case to be held in Kot Lakhpat prison on February 25.

Khar acknowledges Pak-US differences over Davis issue

22 feb 2011

Rejecting the notion that the government institutions have differences over the case detained US national Raymond Davis, the Minister of State for foreign affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar said, on Tuesday, the prime minister has already given his policy statement on the issue.
The minister, however, acknowledged the existence of differences with Washington over the detention of Raymond Davis, who the US insists enjoys diplomatic immunity.
Talking to journalists after attending a ceremony here,  Khar hoped the issue would not hurt the bilateral ties of the two allies.
The government was consulting international law experts to decide whether Davis had immunity under the Vienna Convention, she told.
Hina Rabbani said the interior minister Rehman Malik had not said anything about Raymond Davis but confirmed the latter possessed diplomatic passport.
“We will not let this issue affect the Pak-US strategic dialogues,” added the minister, assuring the matter would be decided by the court.

Strike against non-implementation of package

20 Feb 2011
ISLAMABAD: After no breakthrough on deadlock between the teachers and FDE and Ministry of Education on notification of teachers’ package implementation, the protesting teachers on Saturday finally decided to extend their protest to roads of federal capital from Monday.

Federal Government Teachers’ Association (FGTA) executive council took this decision after the deadlock persisted for the fourth day of the strike by over 800 teachers working under Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) in over 400 educational institutions.

The faculty members of various FDE educational institutes vowed to continue their protests and strikes under the banner of FGTA until the issuance of implementation notification of teachers’ incentive package. The academic activities remained suspended on fourth consecutive day on Saturday. The teachers came to their respective campuses and after marking the attendance they went on strike. The students spend their time while gossiping and later came on the roads in various localities of Islamabad and blocked the roads in protest. Daily Times found that no classes took place in all major schools working under FDE including Federal Government Secondary schools of girls and boys located in F-6, F-7, F-8, F-10, I-9, I-10, G-7, G-8, G-9, G-10, G-11 and suburbs of Islamabad including Nilor, Tarnol, Bhara Kahu and Sihala, as the teachers boycotted the classes and observed complete strike to press the government for acceptance of their demands.

Rs28.6b given away among flood victims

ISLAMABAD: Government of Pakistan has distributed Rs28.6 billion among 1.483 million flood victims through Nadra’s ‘Watan Cards’, a spokesman for the Nadra said.
Nadra Deputy Chairman Tariq Malik stated this while briefing the UN delegation headed by Margareta Wahlstrom, Special representative of the Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction, who visited Nadra Headquarters Saturday for briefing on Flood Relief System.

Tariq Malik while elaborating overall progress said that in Punjab, 608,824 flood affected families received Rs11.96 billion while in Sindh 558,997 families received Rs10.11 billion.

In Baluchistan Rs.1.85 billion have been distributed among 102,945 families and Rs3.8 billion were disbursed among 199,414 families in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan Rs188,450,000 distributed among 10,173 families and Rs61,626,000 given to 3,263 families respectively.

 

Rule of law must hold sway in country: Shah Mehmood

20 Feb 2011

Former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the country could not afford further experiments and rule of law must hold sway in the country.He said that in these difficult times, the country needed credible and honest politicians instead of graduate politicians. In a ceremony held at the residence of provincial minister Pir Moeen Riaz Qureshi, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that it was high time for people to come forward and get rid of incompetent politicians so that they could on problems of people.

He said that there was a relation of respect between Gilani and Qureshi families and he didn’t like vengeful politics. 

Sindh Bank is property of people:C M Sindh

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah inaugurated the Sindh Bank Branch at I.I. Chundrigar Road Brach, Karachi and opened his account which will be the first account of this branch.
The Bank has been set up in the memory of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for the socio-economic development of the country with particular focus in the province of Sindh.
The bank was launched on December 26, 2010 by his Excellency Asif Ali Zardari President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan by inaugurating its first branch in Naudero, Province of Sindh.
The bank plans to open 50 branches in the first year of its operation with at least one branch in each 23 district of Sindh. Other would be spread out throughout other parts of the country.
The bank would cater to the SME sector of the economy and provide agricultural loans to the small farmers. It would also participate in the public private partnership project of the country and syndicated loans arranged by leading commercial banks in the country.
Talking to media persons, he said that the bank will play an important role in the development and prosperity of small farmers in the province.
"This was the long standing demand of the people of Sindh particularly small farmers. This was badly needed to support agriculture sector in the province", he added.
He was of the view that Sindh should get its due share in country's economy and wealth.
Replying to a question, he said that Sindh Bank was not a property of Sindh government or him. This belonged to the people of Sindh, he noted.
He further said that Sindh Cabinet has approved the establishment of Sindh Bank and all the concerns of coalition partners in the Sindh Government were also removed.
He made it clear that all the appointments in the bank were made on the basis of merit and qualification and its accounts will be duly audited and inspected every year

Decision about PPP ministers on Feb 22:CM Punjab

FAISALABAD: Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has said that the provincial government has played its role, in Raymond Davis case, according to the law and constitution,He was talking to media after arrival at the residence of provincial law minister Rana Sanaullah on the occasion of wedding of the latter’s daughter.
Shahbaz further said that decision regarding ministers of PPP in Punjab government would be taken in the meeting scheduled to be held on Feb 22.
The Punjab Chief Minister said strict ban is being ensured on kite flying on the occasion of Basant and added that, in this connection, transfers of a number of police officers had also been made.

Independent media essential for democracy to take roots, Gillani

20 Feb 2011
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Saturday the government believes in the freedom of expression, and the abolition of draconian laws of PEMRA framed by the previous governments, is the manifestation of government’s resolve.He was talking to Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, who called on him here at the Prime Minister House on Saturday. The Prime Minister said that independent media is essential for democracy to take roots and the government had always appreciated positive criticism by the media.
Highlighting the role of media as an important state pillar, the Prime Minister added that the main objective of the media is to inform, educate and entertain the society.
The government, he said, is providing all possible facilities to enhance the capacity of the media to make it more vibrant.
The Prime Minister said that in this age of information, media can play an effective role to promote the soft image of Pakistan and to protect the national interests

Forces kill 28 militants in Kurram, Mohmand

20 Feb 2011
Security forces on Sunday killed twenty eight militants and destroyed their two hideouts in Lower Kurram and Mohmand Agencies.
Security forces conducted operation against militants and targeted their hideouts in different areas of Lower Kurram Agency.
At least eight militants were killed. Two hideouts were also destroyed in the operation.
Forces killed up to 15 militants after dozens of insurgents attacked a security checkpoint in Mohmand Agency.
According to the report, a group of militants launched an attack on a security forces’ check post in the Bazai area of Mohmand Agency.
In retaliation, the Security forces launched counter attack on the militants, killing at least 20 of them and injuring a dozen others.
On the other hand, security forces have found two dead bodies from Datta Khel road in North Waziristan.

PIA flights to Colombo resume to promote bilateral ties

20 Feb 2011
The inaugural PIA flight from Karachi, which resumed after three years, arrived here at the Bandaranaike International Airport Saturday night, aimed at promoting bilateral ties.
The flight was received by Pakistani High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Seema Ilahi Baloch.
“Sri Lanka and Pakistan have close friendly ties and the initiation of the PIA flights from Karachi will help further enhance these ties,” she said and added, “The flights will also increase the people-to-people contact besides increasing the economic and commercial ties between the two countries.”
Seema pointed out that the bilateral trade between the two countries is to the tune of 300 million dollars and there is scope of further enhancing it.
She said that there exists free trade agreement between Pakistan and Sri Lanka besides the bilateral trade treaty as well as the avoidance of double taxation treaty.
She said Pakistan can export more fruits, vegetable and cement etc to Sri Lanka and that there is also scope for the small and medium enterprises.
Seema said that the private sector may also play its role towards enhancing the trade and commercial ties.
The Karachi-Colombo flights will be availble on daily basis to the passengers, she said. Each week PIA will operate three flights, while Air Lanka will operate four flights, she added.
This will also help enhance tourism as many of the Sri Lankans also wish to visit Taxila and other places in Pakistan.
Earlier, the traditional candle lighting welcome ceremony was performed at the Colombo Airport.
Managing Director of PIA Captain Nadeem Yousuf Zai also attended the inaugural ceremony.

Fazal for Kashmir issue resolution as per UN resolutions

20 Feb 2011
Chairman Kashmir Committee and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazal Rehman on Sunday urged for resolving Kashmir issue according to the United Nations resolutions.
Talking to reporters after meeting with a delegation of the UK parliamentarian led by Lord Nazir Ahmed here at a luncheon by Pakistan Muslim League (Q) President Ch. Shujaat Hussain.
Secretary General PML-Q Mushahid Hussain was also present on the occasion.
Maulana Fazal on the occasion said nobody could suppress the struggle of Kashmiris for a long time, adding that the voice of Kashmiris can not be silenced.
He said that talks between Pakistan and India on Kashmir must be meaningful.
He sought the United Kingdom role in just resolution of Kashmir issue for durable peace in the region.
He said that India must follow the United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir. Fazal also demanded withdrawal of military from the Line of Control.
Chaudhry Shujjat Hussain said on the occasion that there is a need to take bold step for resolving the Kashmir issue.
The members of the delegation evinced full support for resolving the Kashmir issue according to the UN Resolutions.
Lord Nazir said that they will take up the issue with the UK government and persuade it to play its role in resolving the Kashmir dispute.
A member of UK parliament said that resolving the Kashmir issue is very important for peace in the region.

NA body for increasing minorities seats

19 Feb 2011

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Minorities unanimously passed a resolution on Saturday asking the government to increase the minorities seats in the Assembly in accordance with the census carried out in 1998 and in ratio with their population.
Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti ensured the committee that the matter would be taken up at an appropriate level, adding that an implementation cell in the ministry was being set up to monitor observation of 5 per cent job quota reserved for the minorities in the federal and provincial departments.
The committee which met here with Dr Mahesh Kumar Maland in the chair discussed the agenda of mechanism and province-wise breakup of scholarships provided to the needy and poor students.
The committee was briefed on the scholarships given to the needy students of the minorities and the criterion of eligibility was strictly followed with no exception.
The committee was informed that on its recommendations, it had been approved that students from the minorities studying in private institutions registered with different boards would also be given scholarships.
The committee members also offered Fateha and observed silence in honour of late Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, who was killed by his own security guard last year and lauded his efforts for protecting the rights of minorities.
MNAs Nafisa Shah, Asiya Nasir, Ramesh Lal, Dr Darshan, Araish Kumar, Imtiaz Sultan Bukhari, Muhammed Nawaz Ali, Jamila Gillani, Federal Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti, Secretary Ministry of Minorities and other officials attended the meeting.

Govt did not hand over Davis to US despite pressure:Information Minister

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Friday that despite huge pressure from the United States, the democratic government had not handed over the alleged murderer Raymond Davis to that country. “I have repeatedly stated on numerous occasions that the government of Pakistan had categorically told the US that Raymond Davis case is sub judice and only courts will decide his fate. At least, the leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party should be given accolade that despite pressure it refused to hand over the killer,” she said.
The Minister said, “Neither we will release Davis nor we will come under any US pressure.”
She said that both the President and the Prime Minister had made it clear to visiting US officials that the government was not an aggrieved party in the case and added that the law enforcement agencies of the country were handling the case and the Federal Government was coordinating with them.

Institutional harmony guarantees progress: Babar

19 feb 2011
Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Babar Awan said on Friday that the nation had capability to progress with harmony among all the institutions.The minister was talking to delegation of Women Lawyers of Islamabad High Court Bar, Islamabad District Court Bar Associations and office-bearers and the members of the Supreme Court Bar Association here. The minister said that the strength and stability of the institutions lay in the continuity of the democratic process and no dictator would be now allowed to derail it.
He said that the democracy is a form of government in which every one has a share in contrast to dictatorship which does not allow freedom of expression.
The policy of reconciliation and dialogue has led to peaceful transition toward democracy, whereas similar changes were witnessed by other countries in the form of bloody revolutions, the minister added.

ATC reissues warrant for Musharraf

The Anti-Terrorist Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Saturday issued non-bailable arrest warrant for former president Pervez Musharrad in connection with Benazir Bhutto murder case.
Earlier, the ATC had, while issuing the bailable warrant, warned that it would issue the non-bailable warrant if Musharraf failed to appear before the court on February 19.
The court on Saturday ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) dispatch the warrant to former army chief’s residence in Islamabad and London.
The court, later, adjourned the hearing till March 5.

PML-N backs principle stance over Davis: Nawaz Sharif

LAHORE: PML-N Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif Saturday said that he reconciled with President Asif Ali Zardari to change the fate of the country but latter ruined the reconciliation in just one month.

Talking to the party workers from Sheikhupura, Kasur and Nankana Sahib, PML-N Chief said ' I am very concerned about the present situation in the country.'

He said that his party cooperated with the federal govt to alleviate load shedding, poverty and inflation but President Zardari spoiled all efforts.

Nawaz said that his party proposed 10-point agenda to resolve national issues but govt disappointed the whole nation.

On issue of Davis case, PML-N Chief said that his party would continue support a principle stance in this regard.

 

Sayeeda Warsi calls on President

19 Feb 2011

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Saturday Pakistan had offered huge sacrifices, in terms of social and human losses, to rid the region from the threat of extremism and for ensuring world peace.

Talking to British Cabinet Minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, who called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President said Pakistan was not only fighting its battle against extremism, but it was also fighting for a cause that concerns the international community.

He said that militancy and terrorism were the common enemy and cooperation between the two countries must continue to fight this war. He said that the provision of opportunities to the people, especially in the areas worst hit by militancy, were essential to wean away people from militancy.

The President urged Ms. Warsi to use her influence for setting up opportunity zones in the conflict-ridden areas and pleading Pakistan's case for enhanced and preferential trade access to the markets of European Union countries so that our economy could be put back on track.

This would help addressing the issues of poverty and unemployment in the tribal areas and thereby wining the battle of hearts and minds, he said.

The President also appreciated the United Kingdom's development assistance to Pakistan's development plans and said," we greatly appreciate the UK government's sensitivity towards our tough economic situation".

Pak-UK bilateral relations, mutual cooperation, war against terror, regional situation and the role of Pak-origin citizens abroad was discussed during the meeting.

Discussing Pak-UK relations, the President reiterated the need for the two countries to work closely to further strengthen their relationship most notably in the economic sphere and other various areas for the benefit of the two countries.

He said that there was a need to further streamline the existing cooperation in cultural and educational development to promote mutual understanding and bringing the people of the two countries further closer.

Ms. Sayeeda Warsi appreciated the efforts of the government against militancy and reiterated continued British support to the democratic dispensation in Pakistan.

She said that the United Kingdom (UK) would continue to support Pakistan in all possible manners to overcome challenges being faced by the democratic government.

The Baroness was accompanied with British High Commissioner Adam Thomson and other senior officials of the British High Commission.

From Pakistan side, Secretary General M. Salman Faruqui, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, MNA Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar also attended the meeting.

Lahore,s18 police officials dismissed

LAHORE: SP Headquarters Rao Munir Ahmad Zia has dismissed 18 police officials including two lady constables on charges of negligence and absence.

The dismissed included SI Ghulam Mustafa, constables Rasheeda Qamar, Asma Parveen, Khalid Mehmood, Anwar Nadeem, Imran, Muhammad Irfan, Basharat Ali, Faisal Qureshi, Mehmoodul Hassan , Ali Raza, Muhammad Ashraf, Babar Hussain, Sakhawat Ali, Naseem Abbas, Gulfam, Farhan Basheer and Ghulam Hussain.

The SP has also awarded punishment to 23 police officials on charges of misconduct and carelessness

Petition for Raymond Davis’ ISI probe filed

LAHORE: One more petition has been filed in Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking investigation by ISI against Raymond Davis, the US national who had shot dead two Pakistanis in Lahore, Geo News reported Saturday.

The petition, filed by Ilmuddin Ghazi Advocate, sought that investigation against Raymond Davis be initiated by ISI after shifting him to Shahi Qila.

The petitioner adopted the stance that people are facing hardship due to extraordinary security measure put in place for Raymond Davis in and around Kot Lakhpat prison.

He prayed that orders be issued for shifting Raymond Davis to Shahi Qila.

“The police have failed to investigate cases against Raymond Davis and that ISI be assigned the task of carrying out the probe,” the petition said.

 

President calls on US Congressional delegation

ISLAMABAD: Highlighting the economic situation of the country, President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday emphasized upon the need for greater international support by way of facilitating trade at this critical time.

"We have prioritized trade, not aid, to overcome our financial difficulties, the President said.

"We need preferential market access to support our economy from the adverse impacts of ongoing struggle against militancy and to rehabilitate and reconstruct damaged infrastructure due to devastating floods," he added.

The President was talking to a US Congressional delegation comprising: Senator Robert Corker, Senator Bernard Sanders, Senator Christopher Coons and Senator Joseph Manchin,which called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday.

US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter was also present along with other officials.

Pakistan side included: Secretary General to the President, M. Salman Faruqui, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, MNA Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar.

Matters relating to Pak-US bilateral relations, war against militancy, Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) and security situation in the region came under discussion during the meeting.

The President urged the visiting delegation to use its influence to secure enhanced market access and more trade for Pakistan.

He said that geo-strategic location of Pakistan provides the country an unparalleled advantage of transit trade.

The members of the delegation appreciated the country's struggle against militancy and assured the US continued support in this regard to the people and the Government of Pakistan.

The President also reiterated his call for expediting passage of ROZs legislation to create economic opportunities for the people who are worst hit due to scourge of militancy.

Talking about regional situation, the President said that a stable, peaceful and prosperous region was what the country has always longed and worked for.

In reply to a question about Pak-India talks, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said that the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries recently had a fruitful meeting and the two sides had agreed to resume full spectrum of dialogue. The first meeting will be scheduled in New Delhi next month, he said.

The delegation thanked the President for meeting. They also stressed the need for long-term and multifaceted relations between Pakistan and the United States to further consolidate existing mutual relations and cooperation.

Student Protest Outside US Consulate

LAHORE: The students of Punjab University and various city colleges held a protest demonstration here on Friday against the US government for demanding release of double murder accused Raymond Davis, under diplomatic immunity.

The demonstration was organized in front of Lahore Press Club under the aegis of Islami Jamiat Tulaba after Friday prayer.IJT Lahore Acting Nazim Shahbaz Qaiser and PU Nazim Zubair Safdar led the demonstration.

The protesting students were carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans against the US and Raymond Davis.

Addressing the gathering, the IJT leaders condemned the incident in which Raymond Davis killed two Pakistani nationals while third person was crushed to death by a vehicle of US consulate.

The studentds demanded of the government to punish the accused under the law of land.

They asserted that Raymond Davis was arrested after the killing of two Pakistanis while the matter was before the court but US was pressurizing Islamabad to release him.

They also criticised the US Consulate for not extending cooperation with the law enforcement agencies to recover the vehicle involved in crushing one Ibad-ur-Rehman on January 27. 

 

 

Cricket World Cup: England beat Pakistan by 67 runs

February 18, 2011

 

FATULLAH: England's Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood finally found some much-needed form as Pakistan were brushed aside by 67 runs in the final warm-up before the Cricket World Cup starts on Saturday.

Pietersen, in an unaccustomed role as opener, hit 66 from 78 balls and Collingwood chipped in with 65 as England were all out for 273 on Friday.

Pakistan struggled early in response with Stuart Broad again England's spearhead with the ball, taking care of the top four batsmen in the order.

Broad, who rejoined the England party after missing much of the Australian tour with an abdominal injury, finished with 5-25 including the key scalp of Younis Khan, caught behind for 80.

Pakistan were all out for 206 in the 47th over.

Collingwood shone with the ball too with his medium-pace seamers, grabbing 3-48.

The Pakistan all-rounder and captain Shahid Afridi did not play.

The teams met last year in a controversial tour in England in which three Pakistan players including then captain Salman Butt were later found to have been involved in fixing parts of a test match. They each received five-year bans.

England begin their Cup campaign proper on Tuesday against Netherlands in Nagpur, India, and Pakistan start theirs a day later in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, against Kenya.

Rahat Fateh Ali freed but can’t leave Iindia

Rahat Fateh Aali Khan, after twenty five hours of detention, was finally allowed to leave conditionally, with the Indian government retaining his passport and asking him to reappear on February 17. A ‘Seizure Memo’ was issued, which is Pakistan’s High Commission’s guarantee letter to the Ministry of External Affairs that Rahat will not leave India until he is cleared.

The voice behind the captivating and hip swinging song of “Teri Mast Mast Do Nain” had thousands of South Asian ‘nain’ focused on him wondering at the ‘naivety’ of a well travelled singer for whom neither India nor Indian laws should be something new.

One diehard fan telephoned The News from Bannu with Pakhtun wisdom to say, “It is a simple case of mathematics. If there were 15 people, then you should divide the amount amongst them and they will not be seen as carrying more than the allowance. Give them the benefit of doubt.” But is the worst over for Rahat and if any serious action had to be taken then would it have been taken during the twenty-five hours that he was under detention?

“Yes, Mr Rahat is free for now from detention. He is not under arrest. He will now probably go to a hotel. Our team is on its way to meet him. He is free to move about but not leave the country. We had been insisting from the very beginning that Mr Rahat should be freed from detention. I had been in touch with South Block and spoken to the Indian acting Foreign Secretary Vivek Katju insisting that the protective custody be lifted. I had constituted a two-man task force which visited the Indian Department of Revenue Intelligence to meet Mr Rahat and pursue the matter but the meeting was not allowed even though they stayed there for over half an hour,” Shahid Malik, Pakistani High Commissioner in New Delhi told The News.

At the Foreign Office, the spokesman told The News after official confirmation was received that Rahat had been freed from detention, “We are looking forward to seeing him back home soon.”

This was State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Hina Rabbani Khar’s first major challenge as she stepped into the Foreign Office and that too involving the Indian government. The Foreign Office had to intervene in the case of their citizen Rahat Fatheh Ali Khan, who was detained on Sunday, for what Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) Chairman S Dutt Majumdar said were “clear violations of excise laws.”

Rahat and two of his troupe members were caught allegedly carrying $1.24 lakh [about Rs (Indian) 60 lakh] in undeclared foreign currency, much above the limit.

While Ms Khar left Islamabad to accompany the prime minister to Kuwait, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, High Commissioner Shahid Malik and spokesman Mohammad Basit swung into action, leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Rahat’s ‘protective custody’ be lifted.

The spokesman said that, “Out of the 12 members three were detained. Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir spoke with the Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabhar and asked for immediate lifting of protective custody.”

Rahat’s case with his passport confiscated is a cruel reminder of the time when cricketer Shoaib Malik had his passport confiscated by Indian authorities because he had also broken Indian law. Aman ki Asha while bringing people together should nevertheless not be a license to break laws of any country.

 

Nine contractual officers terminated

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has terminated the contracts of nine top bureaucrats
The officers who lost their posts include, DG FIA Wasim Ahmed, IG Sindh Salahuddin Babar Khatak, Deputy Director IB Amir Shahzad, DIG Maj (r) Khurram Gulzar, DIG Nadir Hussain Khoso, DDIB Asghar Mehmood, DIG Larkana Din Mohammad Baloch and DIG Gilgit Farman Ali.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed counsel for Federation to convey result of his communications with the prime minister before February 18 over the fate of fifteen officers who were re-employed on contract after attaining age of superannuation.